Flying Ducks

[boneaddict]

Hats off to Pochard or the gentleman taking all of those great pics of flying ducks.  Its harder than hell

[boneaddict]

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[Pochards]

Thanks boneaddict. It does take practice. Try findinf ponds or open water without a lot of trees or shrubs for a back drop. That will help you out a lot!

Keep clickin!

[boneaddict]

Do you manual focus on a certain plane that you are going to "click" or do you manage to pick them up and have the autofocus follow them?  I was haaving trouble tracking them and keeping them in focus.

[Pochards]

I am in auto focus. I get the camera to focus on the bird and then pan with him. It does take a lot of practice getting the flow of panning with the birds and such. It is fun practicing though (even though it can be frustrating at times!)

[Antlershed]

It is definitely hard to do. The one or two I have taken successfully I have used auto focus, and just panned with the birds like Pochards said.

[Timber]

I know what you mean boneaddict, photographing flying ducks is very hard. I spent a few weekends this past March trying to get some photos of flying ducks. I ended up with just one decent picture (although I think it might be a little underexposed). It's a great way to learn how to use your camera and improve your photography skills.

[boneaddict]

Great picture timber.  I tried my hand at it again today.  Horrible results.  got some good ones on the ground but none in the air....here's a woodie

[boneaddict]

More woodies.  I was a little late on take off.

[boneaddict]

and a couple greenheads coming into open water....

[Pochards]

Hey boneaddict

The problem you are having is that you need to increase your shutter speed. You are shooting those birds at 1/250 and that is what is causing the blurred pics. Increase your ISO from 100 to maybe 400 or higher to get that shutter speed up. Give it a shot and see your results.

After looking at your exif again, it shows you are in Automatic mode. You are going to have to venture out and explore your cameras capability. 

Good luck and Merry Christmas!

[Pochards]

Here are a few examples of ducks in flight to help you out.

First couple are Barrows GE's. Here are the specs.
ISO 1250 f7.1
1/1000


Another Barrows
ISO 1250 f7.1
1/2500


A flock of pintails
ISO 320 f5.6
1/2500


A single snow goose
ISO 320 f8
1/2000


I hope these help you out.

[Timber]

Incredible pictures Pochards! Just curious, what lens are you shooting with?

[hambone]

those are some great pics love them

[T-ROY]

nice work